Male Athlete of the Week - Ryan Christie
Ryan Christie of the Niagara College men’s basketball program has been selected as this week’s male athlete of the week. Christie was unstoppable for the Knights during the team’s two victories over the Lambton Lions and St. Clair Saints this weekend.
The Hamilton native plays the center position for the Knights, and standing at over six-foot-seven gives the Knights much needed size and athleticism in the frontcourt.
Christie joined the Knights at the mid-season break, and in his six games with the program is averaging 15.5 points and 12.5 rebounds per game.
This weekend, Christie was dominant during the Knights two wins over the Lambton Lions (5-10) and the St. Clair Saints (8-7).
In Friday night’s matchup versus the Lions Christie finished with game highs in both points with 20, and rebounds with 17. In Sunday’s matchup versus St. Clair, Christie recorded 18 total rebounds including 17 defensive boards while also adding 12 points.
Niagara College men’s basketball head coach Steve Atkin commented “Ryan really gets after it, and when he’s on the floor with his athleticism he can really take over a game.”
Christie is graduate of St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary school, and is currently studying Computer Programming at Niagara College.
Female Athlete of the Week - AJ Botelho
Alex Botelho of the Niagara College women’s volleyball program has been selected as this week’s female athlete of the week. Botelho was dominant during the Knights’ dramatic come-from-behind win over the St. Clair Saints on Sunday, February 2nd.
This marks the third time in the 2013-14 season that Botelho has earned Athlete of the Week honours.
Against the Saints, the six-foot middle blocker finished with a season high 23 points on 19 kills, two blocks and two service aces. After the match Knights head coach Joey Martins commented “Alex is a dominant player in our league. Today we got her the ball and she really found a variety of ways to score.”
Botehlo is a native of Stoney Creek, Ontario and is a graduate of Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School. She also serves as the Knights’ team captain, and is among the team leaders in virtually every offensive category.
Botelho is in her third-year with the Knights, and is currently studying Recreation and Leisure services at Niagara College.
